JD Vance hurls homophobic taunt at James Talarico
The gist
JD Vance told a Texas rally he's "not James Talarico," implying the Senate nominee is gay.
The remark lands as Talarico leads polls and a Paxton report goes unaddressed.
How it unfolded
- Oct 13, 2026At a midterm rally in Tyler, Texas, Vice President JD Vance said "I love you, too, sir. In a totally platonic way, to be clear. I'm the vice president, not James Talarico," implying the Democratic Senate nominee is gay.
- Oct 13, 2026Critics including Reason reporter Billy Binion and political columnist Zeeshan Aleem criticized Vance on social media. The remark came less than 24 hours after The Wall Street Journal reported that Talarico's opponent, Ken Paxton, partied in Dubai with fugitives wanted in the U.S. for alleged healthcare fraud and embezzlement; Vance did not address the report at the rally.
- Oct 14, 2026Joe Scarborough mocked Vance for "questioning" Talarico's sexuality while wearing "David Bowie's eyeliner."